Tuesday 19th September 2017 Kickoff:1945hrs Hibernian v Livingston Football – Scotland – League Cup It’s quarter final stage in Scotland for their League Cup which means just one game away from playing at Hampden in the last four. Hibs reached the semi-final stage of both domestic cup competitions last season and are heavy favourites to do so again as they host Championship Livingston who will be hoping they can produce upset. The visitors have previous, of course, having won the League Cup back in 2004 in what remains their most famous ever day.
Neil Lennon was scathing in his criticism of his players as they surrendered a two goal lead to only draw with Motherwell at the weekend. It extends Hibs’ run to four now without a win in the league having gotten off to a great start with successive wins over Partick Thistle and Rangers. Lennon hit out at the sloppiness and complacency which beset the last half hour at home to Motherwell and has promised to ring the changes ahead of Livingston’s visit. They Hibees enjoyed an excellent run in both the Scottish and League Cup last term but they will still be annoyed at failing to reach either of the finals, especially having won the Scottish Cup in 2015/16. They have a great chance of at least getting to the same stage this time around and you can be sure they will be fired up to do just that following their manager’s comments.
Livingston won promotion to Scotland’s second tier at a canter, last season, and on the early evidence of this campaign it appears they will hold their own in the Championship. Their six games to date have yielded nine points which has them in mid table. If they were to finish around there it would be seen as a success as despite the league not being as strong as it has been in recent season, it remains a fiercely competitive division and is a big step up from League One where the majority of the teams remain part time. Livi have done well to combine the step up and remain competitive in the League Cup, where they have already defeated Falkirk after extra time since we moved into the knockout stage. They were undefeated in the group stage having won three and drawing one. There’s no doubt that they come into this one as massive underdogs but Saturday’s win away to Inverness – who were only relegated from the Premiership last season – proves they are capable of turning in big performances on the road.
Hibernian v Livingston Betting Tip
Lennon usually gets a reaction out of his players when he goes so public with his criticism and he will be looking for an immediate response as he bids to continue the club’s excellent recent participation in cup competitions. They thumped Ayr United 5-0 in the previous round and it’s not beyond them to do something similar again on Tuesday. Anthony Stokes and Simon Murray have been in excellent form and will likely relish this game against lower league opposition. Livingston are capable on their day, however, and carry a threat going forward as witnessed by their three goals on Saturday. They ship goals as well though, and that will be an issue coming up against this strike force. Take Hibs to prevail and over 2.5 goals scored in the game.
Hibs and over 2.5 goals 4/5 @ Coral
